Between Aosta Valley and Piedmont

Last stop in Aosta, before leaving the valley for a new route, is the Criptoportico Forense, still part of the ancient archeological ruins of the Roman Empire.
It was built as a containment and regularization structure for the soil, whose area was characterized by a slight slope between the sacred area and the stalls.
The site can be visited everyday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm, in the period October-March. While from April to September the opening hours changed from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm.
You can find more information about the site and the tickets here.

Slowly leaving Aosta Valley, next stop on the route is the Forte di Bard. It is the very first example of a barricade fortress of the early XIX century, and today it remains almost intact since its origin.
The structure is divided in three main buildings, which are placed at three different levels of altitude, between 400 and 467 mt height.
Inside it is possible to see also the prisons, that in the past hosted dozens of prisonners. The Fort can be visited Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, while Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday days from 10 am to 7 pm, and it is closed on Monday.
You will find more info about tickets and parking here.

After the majestic encounter with the Fort of Bard, the direction is toward Valchiusa, in proximity to the lake, where you can have a lunch break.
The restaurant/hotel L'Incontro, is located right on the shore of the lake and offers a variety of local dishes, like the chestnut risotto, venison fillet and a great selection of wines.
The service is open everyday except Monday, from 12 pm to 2.30 pm and from 7 pm to 10 pm. You can make a reservation through the site.

With a full stomach the next stop seems the perfect spot to head to.
Still in the heart of Valchiusella, just five minutes by car from the restaurant, there are the amazing Guje of Garavot, two pictoresque guje - that means small lake in Canavese - surrounded by the mountains.
It is a perfect spot during the summer t rest and refresh, because you can also swim, but also in autumn, enjoying a walk through the trail to reach the ravines. There is a parking space on the street nearby and from there it is about 20 min walk.

It's now time for an artistic stop on the route. As the matter of fact the destination is Castello di Rivoli, one of the most famous contemporary art museum in Italy.
It was built on the ruins of a medieval castle, with a project by Filippo Juvarra for the royal family of Savoia.
The opening to the public as museum is dated back to 1984, after a refurbishing project.
Today it hosts several collections and also temporary exhibition, that can be visited from Thursday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm. Info for the tickets and current exhibitions on the site.

Avigliana is a lovely hilltop village on the mount Pezzulano, in the heart of Val di Susa.
It has medieval origins and includes the area with the lakes and the ruins of the castle of the Savoy kingdom.
The historical center, starting from XX Settembre street, is the heart of the Via Francigena, main passage toward Rome during the centuries.

To conclude your walk in the best way, you can't miss a dinner in the heart of Avigliana, at Trattoria Croce Bianca.
It is a lovely small place where it is served local Piedmontese cuisine and theme dinner with polenta, boiled meat and others specialties.
The restaurant is open everyday except Monday, from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm and from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm. It is suggested to book a table in advance.